The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Jesse Howard Gilbert (MCSN: 322744), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 3 October 1944. Voluntarily establishing his machine gun in an uncovered position, Private Gilbert directed intense, accurate tracer fire against Japanese emplacements and, setting fire to one of the hostile positions, dislodged the enemy and enabled our forces to advance to a ridge providing effective protection. Courageously and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he again moved his gun forward into an exposed area from which he could cover a Japanese automatic weapon dominating his platoon’s position, but was mortally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Private Gilbert’s splendid initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.